Sound-amplifying device



Jan. 28, 1930. RAYDER 1,744,800

SOUND AMPLIFYING DEVI CE Filed Dec. 15, 1928 Patented Jan. 28, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SOUN D-AMPLIFYIN G DEVICE Application filed December 13, 1928. Serial No. 325,815.

This invention relates to devices useful for amplifying sounds such as Stethoscopes, devices for location of leakages, for locating engine knocks and analogous instruments useful in the scientific or mechanical arts for tracing sounds to their source of origin.

Primarily I aim to provide an instrument of the stated character that is exceptionally sensitive in its amplification, of novel construction, cheap to manufacture; or, in other words, one which when once adjusted is sealed against tampering.

Another aim is the provision of a device of the typified nature which is readily adapted for use in the mechanical arts or the medical profession.

lVith the foregoing aims or objects in view my invention essentially comprises a hollow body having an interfitted diaphragm characterized by a contact pin with which is adapted to co-operate with a vibratory element of highly sensitive type, said body being provided with interchangeable pins or probes whereby the device is rendered capa- 25 ble of diversified use.

In the following description reference is made to the accompanying sheet of explanatory drawings, which fully set forth the nature and character of the improvements in- 39 volved, and in the claims appended hereunto I point out and clearly define the alleged novel features.

In the views:

Fig. 1 is a broken and in part axial sectional view of my improved sound amplifying device or stethoscope.

Fig. 2 is a section on the plane indicated by the arrowed line 22 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a similar sectional view on the plane designated 3-3 in Fig. 1; and,

Fig. 4 is a detail view of an alternative type of pin or probe hereinafter fully explained.

Referring more in detail to the drawings my novel sound amplifying device comprises substantially counterpart cup-shaped elements 5, 6 adapted for opposed connection by means of a common interfitting sleeve or union 7 For convenience in assemblage the bores of the respective cup-shaped elements 59 5, 6 are screw-threaded for engagement by the correspondingly threaded exterior wall tion of the customary tubing 11 connecting with the aural fork 12a fragment only of which is shown for convenience in illustration-in accordance with common practice.

Seating in the cup-shaped element 5, through the medium of a peripherally-elm bracing longitudinally-split resilient tube 13 of fine bore is the diaphragm 14. It is to be particularly noted that the length of resilient tube 13 has its ends brought together in close proximity at 13, Fig. cross-section to support the diaphragm 14 concentric of the bore of the cup-shaped element 5; and that said diaphragm and tube are secured in place by the sleeve or union 7 in an obvious manner.

Centrally of the diaphragm 14 I fit a pin 15 that is conveniently screw-threaded to receive a lock nut 16, and which is fashioned to a needle point at 17, for a purpose later on explained.

Referring now to the 6, it will be seen, the same is provided with a tubular shank 18, into the inner end of which is threaded a screw 19 that serves to secure a highly sensitive spring tongue or vibrator 2O inv place with interposition of a spacer or washer 21. The tongue or vibrator 20 preferably consists of a thin flat strip of inherently springy metal that is retroverted to approximately U-shapeas best shown in Fig. 1; while it is to be particularly remarked that it is of a dimension across the paralleling legs so as not to normally contact with the apex of the needle point 17 but susceptible of transferring the most sensitive sound vibrations to said point when its quiescence is disturbed.

Fitting the outer end of the tubular shank 18 of the cup-shaped element 6 is a removable shouldered contact pin or probe '22 which may be of any desired length, providedit is rigidly connected in place. This pin or probe 22 provides a means for reaching into normally inaccessible places; or for probing the cup-shaped element 2, and that it is of a I cupped elements,

ground when searching for pipe or main leaks. When the device is to be used for ordinary stethoscopic purposes as when examining the human body, I remove the probe 22, and substitute therefor thepin 23, shown in Fig. 4; said pin being fitted with a hard rubber button or'head 24: so as to eliminate metallic contact with the skin as well as adapting the device for easy manipulation without inflicting annoyance-tosensitive persons.- Y

It is further noteworthy that both of the cup-shaped elements 5, 6 are respectively dished at 25, 26, and that the surrounding outer walls are concaved-at 27'so'as to ensure a firmer grasp being obtainable when manipulating the device; and finally that when'the component parts are adjusted and assembled .as shown, the joint betweenthe elements 5, 6 is hermetically sealed, whereby the deviceis rendered proof against tampering or disturbance of its sensitivity.

From the foregoing 1t is thought the inherent simplicity and advantages of my novel sound amplifying device or stethoscope will be apparent, while I reserve the right to make such detail changes as are reasonably encompassed by liberal interpretation accorded the following claims. i

Having .thus described my invention, I

cl im 1, In a sound amplifying devicethe combination of counterpart opposedly connected cupped elements, oneiof whichvhouses a diaphragm with aco-axial needleand the other a cooperative inherently springy vibrator.

2. In a sound amplifying device the combination of counterpart opposedly connected one of saidelements housng a diaphragm with an attached co-axial needle, the other of said elements hav ng a highly sensitive strip vibrator attached therein with capacity to communicate sound vibrations to the point of the needle aforesaid. device the com- 'bination of counterpart opposedly connected 3. In a sound amplifying cupped elements, one of sald elements housing a diaphragm with an attached co-axial needle, and aU-shaped springy strip secured in the otherof said elementswith one of its paralleling legs adapted for vibratory cooperation with the point of the needle aforesaid.

secured by one of its 4, In a sound amplifying device the combination ofcounterpart opposedly connected cupped elements, one of said 'elements'housing a diaphragm with an attached co-axial needle, a U-shaped inherently springy strip paralleling legs in the other cupped element and its free leg adapted for vibratory contact with the'point of the needle aforesaid, anda removable. contact exterior of said'last mentioned element.

' 5. Ina sound amplifying devicethe combination of counterpart opposedly connected cupped elements, one of said elements'housing a diaphragm with an attached co-axial needle, a U- haped inherently springy strip secured by one of its paralleling legs with interposition of a spacing washer in the other cupped element and its free leg adapted for vibratory contact with the point of the needle aforesaid, and a removable contact exterior of said last mentioned element.

6. In a sound amplifying device the combination of counterpart cup-shaped elements each of which has a concentric tubular shank, an interfitting union serving to couple said elements rigidly together, a diaphragm with a coaxial pin seating in one of the aforesaid elements by aid of a peripherally engaging springy strip secured byone leg with inter- [position of a spacer in the other cup-shaped element, said U-shaped strip having its free leg adapted for vibratory contact with the point of the diaphragm pin,and a removable contact probe engaged in the tubular shank of the last mentioned element.

7. In a sound amplifyingdevice the combination of counterpart cup-shaped elements each of which has a concentric tubular shank, an interfitting union serving to couple said elements rigidly together, a diaphragm with a co-axial pin seating in one of the aforesaid elements by aid of a peripherally engaging resilient split tube, a U-shaped inherently springy strip vibrator secured by a screw and interposed spacer to the inner end of the opposed cup-shaped element tubularshank, the free leg of the strip vibratory serving to transmit sound waves to the diaphragm pin, and a removable contact probe with a button end engaged in the outer end of the tubular shank aforesaid.

vember 1928. V

- JOSEPH A. 'RAYDER. 

